Combined folding table and lttnch-box



M. E. RUDY GOMBtNED FOLDlNG TABLE AND LUNCH BOX.

arrucmeu m:o me. 0. m9.

2 guns-slicer 1,317,895. Patented Oct. 7,1919.

M. E. RUDY.

COMBINED FOLDING TABLE AND LUNCH BOX.

, f APPLICATION FILED m1. 9. m9.

1,3 1 7,89 5; Patented Oct. 7, 1919.

2 SHEETS-SHEET 2.

MARY ELEANOR RUDY, OF LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA.

COMBINED FOLDING TABLE AND LUNCH-BOX.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented Oct. 7, 1919.

Application filed January 9, 1919. Serial No. 270,342.

To all whom, it may concern v Be it known that I, MARY ELEANOR RUDY, a citizen of the United States, residing at Los Angeles, in the county of Los Angeles and State of California, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Combined Foldin Tables and Lunch-Boxes, of which the foiiowing is a specification.

The invention provides a device which may be used as a. table and as a box or case accordingly as may be required, the structure being such as to admit of the parts folding into com lct form for convenience of storing and andling and which provides ample space for receiving sundry articles.

The invention is designed more particularly to provide an article for the convenience of pleasure seekers wherein a table is at hand for receiving a luncheon, or to Ins-used for ames, or for other purposes \vherc it is desirable to have a table for receiving articles to be supported, the device also providing a case or box which may be utilized for receiving and carrying dishes, table ware. food, chairs and sundry articles, the device furthermore when folded occupying a comparatively small s ace so as to be conveniently carried in a ve icle, or upon a rack, running board or other desired part of the vehicle. hen attached to the running board of an automobile or other vehicle, the same is utilized as supporting means for one end of the table when the latter is extended, the opposite end of the table being supported by a folding leg, or legs.

The drawing illustrates a preferred embodiment of the invention, however, it is to be understood that in adapting the same to meet different conditions, various changes in the form. proportion. and minor details of construction may be resorted to without departing from the nature of the invention as claimed hereinafter.

Referring to the drawings herein attachcd,

Figure 1 is a perspective view of part of an automobile showing a device embodying the invention mounted on the running boarr thereof, said device being in folded position.

Fig. 2 is a view similar to Fig. 1, the full lines showing the device partly unfolded and the dotted lines showing the parts extended to provide a table.

Fig. 8 is a side view of a table extended,

the casing being in section and the dotted lines indicatingthe osition ofthe table when in folded position and when partly folded.

Fig. 4 is aview of the table as seen from the under side, the supporting legs being folded and the casin being in sectlon.

Qorresponding an like parts are referred to in the following description and indicated in the several views of the drawings by like reference characters.

The device comprises essentiall y two parts, a casing 1 and a folding table, the latter closing the front of the casing when folded therein. The casing 1 is closed at the back, top, bottom and sldes and is open at its front, as indicated most clearly in Fig. 2 to admit of the table being readily folded into the casing and withdrawn therefrom when required forusc. A strip 2 is'disposed at the top of the casing and at the front thereof and receives a strap 3. A strip 4 is located at the bottom of the casing and at the front thereof and receives a turn button 5. A compartment 6 is formed in the lower portion of the casing which may be utilized .to receive folding chairs, a thermos bottle or other container or articles of any nature. The casing may be constructed of any suitable material so as to insure lightness, durability and a maximum amount of storage space consistent with the external dimensions of the casing. \Vhile it is preferred to mount the device upon the running board 7 of an automobile or other type of motor vehicle it is to be undershiod that it may be constructed so as to be conveniently carried within the vehicle or strapped to any con venient part thereof. For convenience ears 8 project laterally from the sides of the casing and are pierced to receive suitable fastening means wherchy the device is attached to the running board 7.

The folding table comprises sections 9 and 10, the section 9 being pivotally connected to the casing and the section 10 in turn pivotally connected to the section 9 by means of a rule joint as indicated at 11 whereby the sections 9 and 10 are supported in horizontal position when the table is extended as shown most clearly in Fig. The sections 9 and 10 are of similar or like construction. each comprising a top and a frame, the latter inelosing a space and having the top secured thereto in any manner. The space inclosed by the frame is utilized for storage of the dishes table ware, food and the like to be carrie The section 10 folds against the under side of the section 9, thereby providing a maximum storage space. The inner section 9 is pivoted at the sides of the casing 1 at 12 and when the table is extended the inner portion of the section 9 rests upon the strip 4, as indicated most clearly by the full lines in Fig. 3, thereby relieving the ivot fastening 12 of undue strain. Folding legs 13 are pivotally connected to the outer end of the section 10 and are stayed by means of braces 14 which are pivotally connected to the section 10 and are adapted to make detachable connection with the legs 13 to admit of the legs and braces folding within! the section 10, as shown most clearly in Fig. 4. Strips 15 are provided and spaced a short distance from the side members of the frame to inclose spaces for receiving the legs and braces where the latter are in folded position. The strips 15 serve to stiffen and strengthen the table as will be readily understood. A tray 16 is adapted to be secured to the under side of the innersection 9 and may be removed or retained in place in any manner. This tray may receive dishes, table ware, food and the like. A compartment 17 is provided at the inner end of the section 9 and may receive a thermos bottle 18 or other container or may be utilized in any manner for storin sundr articles.

hen t e arts are properly constructed and assembles the outer section 10 will fold against the under side of the inner section 9 and both sections will fold into the casing 1 so as to close the open front thereof as indicated most clearly in Fig. 1. When the table is in folded position it is secured by suitable fastening means applied to the parts 2 and 4 and to opposite ends of the section 10. The part 2 is movable and artakes of the nature of a flap so as to 0 d over the upper end of the section 10 and thereby shed water and prevent the same entering t e casing. When the table is extended into position for service it is supported at its end by the casing 1 and vehicle to which the casing is attached and at its outer end by the legs 13. Fig. 3.

The foregoing description and the drawings have reference to what ma be con- .sidered the preferred, or approve form of my invention. It is to be understood that I may make such changes in construction and arrangement and combination of parts, materials, dimensions, et cetera, as may prove expedient and fall within the scope of the appended claims.

Havin thus fully described my invention, what I c aim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent is 1. In a device of the character specified, a casing having an open front and strips at the top and bottom of the open front, the upper strip being movable, a, folding table comprising sections connected by means of a rule joint and pivotally connected at its inner end to the casing and adapted to rest upon the lower strip when the table is ex tended and a folding support at the outer end of the table to come between the two sections, the outer section of the table folding against the under side of the inner section and closing the front of the casing when the table is folded therein.

2. A device of the character specified, comprising a, casing having an open front, and stri s at the top and bottom of the front,a fol ingfable comprising two sections con nected y means of a rule 'oint and pivotally connected at its inner end to the lower casing to be supported thereby, a tray supported beneath one of the sections and adapted to be inclosed between the two sections and a folding support at the outer end of the table, the outer section of the table folding against the under side of the inner section and closing the front of the casing when the table is folded.

In testimony whereof I'afiix my signature in presence of two witnesses.

MARY ELEANOR RUDY.

Witnesses K. R. Wmvim, Enwano E. GRAY. v 

